Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Tuesday the re-opening of the Otis Bridge in Manila after being closed for five months.
“We are glad that we were able to finish the replacement of Otis Bridge within five (5) months and ahead of schedule,” DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said during the opening ceremony.
“This will be another Christmas gift to our motorists, specifically in this area of Manila,” he added.
The end of the repair for the Otis Bridge was initially projected to finish in 2019. The bridge was closed due to “instability” after a portion of it partially collapsed in June.
READ: Otis bridge in Manila closed to traffic
Following the reconstruction, the bridge now has six lanes and 20 tons of carrying capacity. However, Villar said only light vehicles could pass Otis Bridge as of the moment.
Vehicles going from south of Manila to north of Manila, as well as the cities of Quezon, Caloocan and Mandaluyong, will primarily benefit from the opening, Villar said. /jpv